Houses frequently make noises – a floor creaks, a pipe gurgles, a refrigerator hums – but while some sounds are harmless and even charming, others are early indicators of potential problems that warrant attention.
Clanking In Your Pipes: Anyone who’s ever lived with radiator heat knows how noisy pipes can be. When not draining properly, a steam radiator can make horrible clanging sounds. Make sure the radiator inlet valve is fully open, as a partial opening could result in some noise. For those who don’t have radiators, a clanking or banging sound could be indicative of a larger problem. If your boiler is knocking, your circulation pump may be on its way out.
Skittering In The Walls: Skittering sounds, squeaks, buzzes and other noises coming from your walls and attic may mean there’s something living in your house that isn’t part of your family. In addition to bees, raccoons, squirrels and birds have been known to get into attics and cause noises. And of course mice and rats can do the same. If you hear something, search the outside of the wall for anything out of the ordinary. If you don’t find anything but the noise persists, consider setting traps or calling GHMS to schedule an exterminator inspection.
Humming Appliances: If your dishwasher sputters or grinds, something may be stuck in the chopper blade area. A buzzing refrigerator may mean that the compressor is ailing. A humming dryer could mean that there’s an object caught in its blower wheel. These conditions are difficult to diagnose without expert attention. Consider calling a professional as soon as you hear the noises.
Bubbling In The Pipes: Over time, sediment builds up on the bottom of a water heater as minerals precipitate out of the water and settle in the tank. Excessive accumulation may produce a popping or rumbling sound, which should be your signal to call in a repair professional. Depending on the severity of the situation, flushing the inside of the tank may be enough to fix the problem, but it could also be time for a new heater. Either way, this isn’t something you want to ignore. Fixing it could prevent water leaks.
Whistling Windows: Improperly installed windows, worn weather stripping, changes in temperature and the simple passage of time can all cause an unwanted whistling inside the house. Not only is the sound annoying, it can also lead to energy waste. If you can’t find the source of the whistling yourself, consider hiring a professional to find and fix the problem.